AFTER two robberies in a year Waterloo convenience shop owner Tina Roberts feels safer.

She has recently had Smart Water technology fitted to her shop’s premises which aims to deter break-ins, robberies and theft.

The technology activates when criminals pass over the door of the shop when fleeing and they will be sprayed with the invisible water.

Through forensic profiling police can link directly a criminal to a crime.

Tina, 63, told the Herald: “I’m made up. I think it will deter criminals when it gets around that it has been fitted at the shop.

“There is a unique DNA in the water which can only be linked to this store. That means that the police can uniquely detect criminals and it will provide them with irrefutable evidence when the matter goes through the courts. It’s brilliant.

“The water stays on the criminals skin for weeks and on clothes even longer.”

SmartWater is a forensic fluid containing millions of microscopic particles that make up an individual property identification code.

It shows up under certain lighting.

Tina’s store, Booze and News, on Oxford Road, has been held up twice this year and two men parading an imitation gun received a total of six years for their robbery.

Tina added: “There is a big sign in the window so hopefully that will deter any potential criminals from entering.”

A Smart Water spokesman said: “We are working with the local police. This represents a key component in our campaign to detect any criminal activity.”